Finds that protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by providing services to needy or vulnerable persons is a fundamental purpose of government. The legislature further finds that private nonprofit corporations fill an important public purpose in providing these types of health, safety, and welfare services to our state's residents. Acting through partnerships with governmental entities, these private sector providers are able to increase the amount and quality of these services available to state residents.

Finds that ensuring continued provision of these services in the private sector confers a valuable benefit on the public that constitutes consideration for transfer of certain public property and facilities to eligible private nonprofit corporations, subject to restrictions that provide continued protection of the public interest.

Provides that public bodies, as defined in RCW 43.99C.020, may transfer real property and facilities acquired, constructed, or otherwise improved under chapter 43.99C RCW to nonprofit corporations organized to provide services for individuals with sensory, physical, or mental handicaps. The nonprofit corporation shall use the real property and facilities for the purpose of providing the following limited programs as designated by the department: Nonprofit group training homes, community centers, close to home living units, sheltered workshops, vocational rehabilitation centers, developmental disability training centers, and community homes for the mentally ill.